In recent weeks the team at DHR Communications have been busy working on an exciting new project that has the potential to transform Irish journalism. The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund has been established to honour the memory of the late journalist Mary Raftery, whose pioneering investigative work uncovered serious abuses and scandals within Irish life.

The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund looks at issues that were close to Mary’s heart and on which she focused in her groundbreaking investigative work, namely: mental health, migrant issues and children’s rights. A hallmark of Mary’s work was an ethical, rigorous and sensitive approach. The aim of the fund is to promote more in-depth investigative coverage of these issues. It offers an opportunity for journalists to carry out detailed investigations into certain aspects of Irish society and to expose any injustices that might exist. There will be three individual funding rounds. Applications for the current round, under the theme of Mental Health, are now being accepted. Applicants from all strands of the media are invited to apply.

In order to inform potential applicants of what is required of them when submitting their applications, DHR Communications is busy organising a special workshop that will go through the application process while highlighting the area of Mental Health that will be covered in this funding round. The workshop will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8, on Monday, 15th October 2012, at 11am. Anyone hoping to apply for the fund is encouraged to attend. However, with places limited, it is advised that anyone wishing to attend pre-registers by emailing their contact details to info@maryrafteryfund.ie. A staff member of DHR Communications will reply, letting you know if you have been successful in securing your place.

In the meantime, please keep an eye on the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund website, and follow its Twitter and Facebook profiles, for any updates on the fund.